Huntington Beach Drone Information

Drone Issue

When you fly a drone in the United States, it is your responsibility to understand and abide by the rules. The City of Huntington Beach strongly encourages all UAS operators to familiarize themselves with safe operation practices and regulations, whether local, county or FAA, regarding UAS operations, including prohibited “no-fly” areas, activities, and all actions which may be deemed a violation of personal privacy and interference with law enforcement actions. This website serves as a public information portal for UAS related information and as the City’s opportunity to provide public education regarding local rules for drone usage.

Regulations
The City of Huntington Beach is working through a Drone Ordinance Working Group led by the Association of California Cities - Orange County to develop a model ordinance to be used as a basis for all Orange County cities. At this time, no specific City ordinance has been enacted.

On December 14, 2015, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) announced that all UAS units weighing between 0.55 pounds and 55 pounds must be registered by February 19th, 2016 www.faa.gov/uas/registration. Anyone caught flying without proper registration after that date could face stiff penalties. The FAA says civil penalties include a fine of up to $27,500. Criminal penalties include a fine of up to $250,000 and up to three years in jail.

UAS come in a variety of shapes and sizes and serve diverse purposes. Regardless of size, the responsibility to fly safely applies equally to manned and unmanned aircraft operations.

Currently, small unmanned aircraft systems (sUAS) may be operated for hobby and recreational purposes under specific safety guidelines as established by Congress. Small UAS flown for recreational purposes are typically known as model aircraft and weigh less than 55 lbs.

The recreational use of sUAS is the operation of an unmanned aircraft for personal interests and enjoyment. For example, using a sUAS to take photographs for your own personal use would be considered recreational; using the same device to take photographs or videos for compensation or sale to another individual would be considered a commercial operation and fall under a separate set of regulations. You should check with the FAA for further determination as to what constitutes commercial or other non-hobby, non-recreational sUAS operations.

Safety Guidelines and Local Regulations
The FAA has partnered with several industry associations to promote Know Before You Fly, a campaign to educate the public about using unmanned aircraft safely and responsibly. Individuals flying for hobby or recreation are strongly encouraged to follow safety guidelines, which include:

Don't fly an aircraft that weighs more than 55 lbs. (these have different regulations).

Fly no higher than 400 feet and remain below any surrounding obstacles when possible.

Don't fly within 5 miles of John Wayne Airport unless you contact the airport and control tower before flying.

Keep your sUAS in eyesight at all times.

Remain well clear of and do not interfere with manned aircraft operations, specifically public safety helicopters, and you must see and avoid other aircraft and obstacles at all times.

Don’t fly over persons or vehicles, and remain at least 25 feet away from individuals and vulnerable property.

Don’t fly in adverse weather conditions such as in high winds or reduced visibility.

Don’t fly under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

Ensure the operating environment is safe and that the operator is competent and proficient in the operation of the sUAS.

Don’t fly near or over sensitive infrastructure or property such as power stations, water treatment facilities, correctional facilities, heavily traveled roadways (such as Pacific Coast Highway), government facilities, etc.

Check and follow all local laws and ordinances before flying over private property.

Don’t conduct surveillance or photograph persons in areas where there is an expectation of privacy without the individual’s permission (see AMA’s privacy policy) The use of a UAS to conduct surveillance, take photographs or video, or otherwise disturb someone’s reasonable expectation of privacy is guilty of a misdemeanor under California Penal Code Section 647(j)(1).

Don't fly near people or stadiums, including high school stadiums.

Don't be careless or reckless with your unmanned aircraft, you could be fined for endangering people or other aircraft.

Civil or Commercial Flyers
The FAA requires you to have a 333 Exemption and the accompanying Certificate of Authorization (COA). Unless you have a specific COA that allows something different, some of the things you MUST do include:

Possess an FAA issued Pilot Certificate

Operate five (5) miles or more away from John Wayne Airport

Operate at altitudes of 200 feet above ground or less

File a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) describing your flight

Maintain visual line of sight with your Drone. See and avoid manned aircraft

FOR INFORMATION ON DRONE FLYING AND SAFE DRONE OPERATION, PLEASE VISIT THE FOLLOWING LINKS: